Loxwood Medical Practice, like many Sussex GP practices, has recently adopted the RAG patient segmentation system. It was originally developed in Lewes, East Sussex and has been taken up by many GP practices especially in Sussex.
Understanding the RAG System at Loxwood Medical Group
At Loxwood Medical Practice, we use a system called RAG – short for Red, Amber, Green – to help make sure all our patients get the right care, at the right time, from the right people. It helps us understand your health needs better and make good decisions about how to support you.
What Is the RAG System?
The RAG system is a simple way for us to group patients based on how complex or stable their health is:
- Red: You have more complex or urgent health needs. You might benefit from seeing the same GP or team often, and we want to make sure your care is joined up and well-planned.
- Amber: Your health needs are moderate. You may need some regular check-ups or support, but things are fairly stable.
- Green: Your health is generally stable, and you don’t need to see us very often. When you do, it may be through quick appointments or digital options.
Why Do We Use It?
Healthcare can be very busy – and people’s needs are different. The RAG system helps us:
- Prioritise care for those who need it most
- Plan ahead, so your care team knows what’s important for you
- Keep things running smoothly, even when the NHS is under pressure
- Offer more continuity for patients with ongoing or complex issues
It also means we can avoid unnecessary appointments and focus our time where it matters most.
How Does It Affect You?
Your RAG status is chosen by your GP or nurse based on your current health and circumstances. They may update it during a check-up, after a hospital visit, or if your needs change.
Here’s what it means in practice:
- If you’re Red, we’ll try to make sure you can see the same clinician when possible, and you’ll get extra support if needed.
- If you’re Amber, we’ll still keep an eye on things and help you if your needs change.
- If you’re Green, we’ll encourage you to use services like online appointments, NHS app messages, or self-care tools, while still being there when you need us.
You can ask about your RAG status during an appointment, and we’ll explain it in more detail if you’d like.
Benefits for You and the NHS
Using the RAG system means:
- You get care that’s tailored to you
- We’re able to see people quicker when they need urgent help
- The NHS uses time and resources more effectively
- It supports better teamwork between doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff
- We can spot issues earlier and avoid unnecessary hospital visits
Want to Know More?
If you’re curious about how the RAG system affects your care or want to talk about your current health needs, just ask at your next appointment. We’re happy to help explain how we make decisions and keep your care as smooth and personal as possible.
The group assignment is visible in your patient record and is simply a label and will be updated from time-to-time when your situation changes.
An independent academic evaluation was published in 2023 by Health Innovation KSS
Your Health Record
This information is recorded in each patient record in a structured form using SNOMED CT codes. The codes available are limited, so we have to use ones that are appropriate and do not interfere with other aspects of patient care.
We use the following codes as labels:
- Red – Chronic long term disease management required: complex needs (416357003)
- Amber – Chronic long term disease management required (416239002)
- Green – General health good (135815002)